Tool, network and method for asset data updating

ABSTRACT

A tool, network and method of asset data updating is provided. The tool comprises: a portable computing device capable of wirelessly receiving a GPS location and updating of asset data including, among other things, asset condition and/or GPS location. The tool may also comprise knowledge based software capable of time tracking, work order management and billing. The knowledge based software may be provided alone or in combination with the asset updating. A network capable of wirelessly communicating with the tool is discloses as is a method of using the tool.

This continuation application claims priority to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/961,192 entitled TOOL, NETWORK AND METHOD FORASSET DATA UPDATING, filed on Sep. 21, 2001, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to technician assistant tools,and more particularly, to a tool capable of updating asset data such asasset GPS location or asset type, and a related network and method.

2. Related Art

Field technicians in the service industry receive work orders to servicea variety of assets such as equipment, software, etc. The service can beany activity depending on the type of asset. For example, for equipment,service may include installation, maintenance or repair. In one example,an asset may be a part in a telecommunications system. Techniciansoftentimes carry portable computing devices, i.e., tools, that arecapable of providing a wide variety of functionality to the technicianand the service department management. Exemplary functions are:diagnostics for the assets and time tracking software. In their mostconvenient form, the tools provide wireless communication with a basenetwork.

One problem faced by users of these tools is that advantageous functionsare not provided in a single device. For instance, it would beadvantageous if time tracking, work order management and billingcapabilities could be provided in a single tool.

Another problem often faced by users is finding the asset to beserviced. This is especially a problem where assets are geographicallydispersed such as in a telecommunications system. In order to aid usersin finding assets, a global positioning system (GPS) can be accessed.For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,607 to Loomis et al. discloses anevent tracking GPS system. Use of the GPS has also been used to trackthe whereabouts of users. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,824 to Newman et al.in which a GPS receiver is placed on a tool.

A problem that occurs when trying to locate an asset is the GPS locatorfor the asset has been removed, broken or otherwise made inoperable foridentifying its assigned asset. Accordingly, an asset and/or itsassociated GPS location can be misidentified to a user. One exemplarycause of this problem is the switching of a GPS locator from one assetto another. This problem is exacerbated when the two assets are not ofthe same type, e.g., a printer and a desktop computer. A user sent toservice an asset then wastes valuable time and resources traveling tothe wrong location.

The task of finding an asset can also be hindered when other informationabout an asset is incorrect. For instance, when an asset is noted hasbeing next to an object that has been moved, a user may not be able tofind the asset. During a technician's workday, he/she oftentimes comesupon assets that: do not have the correct GPS locator, have been movedfrom their recorded location, have changed in condition such as age, orhave other incorrect information recorded about them. In theseinstances, the user is forced to make a note of the misidentified assetor incorrect condition/information and later correct the data. Thecorrective measures are oftentimes overlooked or forgotten because ofother burdens on the technician. As a result, time wasted searching foran asset is repeated.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a tool capableof locating an asset and updating asset data such as GPS location andasset condition. It would also be advantageous if a tool was providedthat included knowledge based software capable of combined functionssuch as time tracking, work order management and billing. A base networkcapable of managing one or more these tools would also be advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention is directed to a tool for use with anasset, the tool comprising: a portable computing device; a databaselocated on the portable computing device; a wireless interface adaptedfor connecting the portable computing device to a network via a wirelessaccess protocol; knowledge base software installed on the portablecomputing device; a global positioning system (GPS) device attached tothe portable computing device; and asset tracking software, installed onthe portable computing device, for receiving an asset GPS location viathe wireless interface, and for updating asset data via the wirelessinterface.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to a network for managing aportable computing device used by a user servicing an asset, the networkcomprising: a wireless interface adapted for communicating with theportable computing device via a wireless access protocol; and assettracking software for providing asset data including an asset GPSlocation via the wireless interface to the portable computing device,and for receiving an update of asset data from the portable computingdevice via the wireless interface.

A third aspect of the invention provides a tool for use with an asset,the tool comprising: a portable computing device; a database located onthe portable computing device; means for connecting the portablecomputing device to a network; means for accessing the database; means,attached to the portable computing device, for determining a globalposition of the portable computing device; and means for providing anasset GPS location that is received via the means for connecting, andfor updating asset data via the means for connecting.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a tool for use with an asset,the tool comprising: a portable computing device; a database located onthe portable computing device; a wireless interface adapted forconnecting the portable computing device to a network via a wirelessaccess protocol; and knowledge based software installed on the portablecomputing device for accessing the database, wherein the knowledge basedsoftware includes a time tracking module adapted to track user time, awork order management module adapted to manage work orders and a billingmodule adapted to generate billing information.

A fifth aspect of the invention is directed to a method of utilizing atool for use with an asset, the method comprising the steps of:receiving a work order for the asset; receiving asset data for the assetat the tool, the asset data including an asset GPS location; proceedingto the asset based on the asset GPS location; determining whether theasset data is correct; and correcting the asset data where the assetdata is incorrect.

A sixth aspect of the invention is directed to a tool for use with anasset, the tool comprising: a portable computing device; a databaselocated on the portable computing device; means for connecting theportable computing device to a network; knowledge based softwareincluding: means for tracking time of a user on the tool; means formanaging work orders on the tool; and means for generating billinginformation on the tool; means, attached to the portable computingdevice, for determining a global position of the portable computingdevice; and means for providing an asset GPS location that is receivedvia the means for connecting, and for updating asset data via the meansfor connecting.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the following more particular description of preferredembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of this invention will be described in detail,with reference to the following figures, wherein like designationsdenote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a field technician environmentincluding a tool and related network in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 2A-B shows a block diagram of knowledge software used on theassistant tool and related network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a display for a main menu of the tool;

FIG. 4 shows a display for a time/billing menu of the tool;

FIG. 5 shows a display for a work order list of the tool; and

FIG. 6 shows a display for asset data of the tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For convenience purposes only, the description includes the followingsections:

I. Environment Overview II. Tool III. Base Network IV. Operation V.Environment Overview

Turning to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an environment including atool 10 for use with an asset 12 is shown. Tool 10 is carried by a usersuch as a field technician during servicing or acquisition (i.e.,tracking and/or locating) of an asset 12 in the field. An “asset” may beany activity, object, individual, or software that may require serviceor acquisition. Common examples include, inter alia: a switch in atelecommunications system, software on a desktop that is part of anetwork, another user, a cable TV multiplexor in a cable TV network, aninsurance claim activity such as an automobile accident, inventory in awarehouse, etc. In any event, assets 12 may be geographically dispersed.

Tool 10 communicates with a base network 14 where administrativeoversight is available. A global positioning system (GPS) 16 isreferenced by the above-mentioned components, as will be describedbelow. Each asset 12 includes a GPS locator 13 thereon (or, in the casewhere asset 12 is software, attached to equipment storing asset 12).Locator 13 may be any device that may be referenced by GPS 16 todetermine the geographic location of the associated asset 12.Preferably, locator 13 is fairly small and includes an identificationsuch that a locator-asset assignment can be made.

Tool 10 communicates with GPS 16 and/or base network 14. Base network 14acts as administrative base for one or more tools 10, i.e., users oftools 10. Base network 14 may be for, for example, a service departmentadministrative headquarters from which a number of technicians arebased.

II. Tool

Tool 10 generally includes a portable computing device 18 such as an IBMWorkpad®, a PALM Pilot® or similar device that may be commonly referredto as personal digital assistants. Portable computing device 18 includesa memory 20, a central processing unit (CPU) 22, input/output devices(I/O) 24 and a bus 25. A database 26 may also be provided for storage ofknowledge-based information, i.e., information particular to the asset,or group of assets, that the user services. Knowledge-based informationmay include, for example, technical information regarding asset 12 ordiagnostic information. Memory 20 preferably includes a program product28 that, when executed by CPU 22, comprises various functionalcapabilities described in further detail below. Memory 20 (and database26) may comprise any known type of data storage system and/ortransmission media, including magnetic media, optical media, randomaccess memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a data object, etc.

I/O 24 may comprise any known type of input/output device including anetwork system, modem, keyboard, mouse, scanner, voice recognitionsystem, CRT, printer, disc drives, etc. One I/O device preferred fortool 10 is a wireless interface 30 adapted for connecting portablecomputing device 18 to base network 14 via a wireless access protocol.One preferred wireless interface 30 is a PCMCIA compatible card such asavailable from Research In Motion Corp. Another I/O device preferred fortool 10 is a PC card adapter 32 such as Parachute® by Unilinear Corp.

Tool 10 also includes a GPS transceiver 34 attached thereto such thatthe geographic location of tool 10 may be determined. Tool 10 alsoincludes a power supply 36 such as a rechargeable battery. Additionalcomponents, such as cache memory, etc., may also be incorporated intotool 10.

As mentioned previously, memory 20 of tool 10 preferably includes aprogram product 28 that, when executed by CPU 22, provides variousfunctional capabilities for tool 10. As shown in FIG. 1, program product28 may include communication software 38, knowledge based software 40,asset tracking software 42, and other system component(s) 44. Othersystem components 44 may include any other well known portable computingdevice applications, e.g., personal scheduler, address book, calculator,expense tracking software, games, etc. Communication software 38 may beany well known wireless protocol implementing software. Turning to FIG.2A, a block diagram of exemplary knowledge based software 40 componentsis illustrated. Generally, knowledge based software 40 may include anytype of knowledge based application(s) used by a user and/or useradministrators in servicing one or more assets 12, or accessing database26 of tool 10 and/or database(s) 126 of base network 14. Generally,knowledge based software 40 will be industry specific. As illustrated,knowledge based software 40 may include:

Diagnostic module 50 adapted to conduct diagnostic tests on asset 12 foranalysis. A couple of examples for the telecommunications industry areinstructions for a diagnostic test for a telecommunications line and/orthe actual test run via tool 10. Diagnostic module 50 may also includemeans to record and/or analyze results. Furthermore, diagnostic module50 may include further troubleshooting procedures.

Data entry module 52 for providing a recordation or data collectionmechanism where applicable. While data entry module 52 may take avariety of forms, it may also be a simple wordprocessing program such asLotus WordPro®, Microsoft Word® or Corel Wordperfect®. Work ordermanagement (WOM) module 54 for receiving, reading, updating work order(i.e., service tickets) from base network 14. In addition, WOM module 54may provide a mechanism for reviewing past actions.

Time tracking module 56 for tracking a user's work time. In oneembodiment, time tracking module 56 may interact with GPS transceiver 34to track time based on a user's travel and/or a user's proximity to anasset. For instance, time tracking software may record travel timebillable at a given rate, and work time billable at a different rate,based on where a user is located. That is, when the user becomesproximate the asset, time tracking software may changeover from traveltime to work time.

Billing module 58 for generating and overseeing billing information suchas invoices, receipts, etc. Billing module 58, as is known in the art,may interact with time tracking software 56.

Electronic signature module 60 for collecting signatures from customersand/or transferring this data to base network 14.

Barcode scanning module 62 for scanning a barcode on asset 12 for easydata recall/collection. For instance, in certain industries, assets aretagged with barcodes for easy tracking and data recall/collection. Tool10 may include an infra-red scanner, as known in the art, and usebarcode scanning module 62 to recall/collect information from/fordatabase 26 or database(s) 126.

Messaging/paging/voicemail module 64 for providing a mechanism for theuser to receive and send electronic messages and/or verbally communicatewith others. Messaging/paging/voicemail software 64 may interact withcommunications software 38 in a known fashion.

In one embodiment, the invention includes a tool 10 having the combinedbilling module 58, time tracking module 56 and WOM module 54, whichprovides a single interactive interface for a user. As an alternative,tool 10 may also include asset tracking software 42, described below.

In view of the foregoing, knowledge based software 40 provides knowledgebased application(s) or productivity enhancing functions used by a userin servicing an asset 12 and/or administrators overseeing a number ofusers. It should be recognized that the list above is not exhaustive.Particular software listed may also be combined and/or customized forindustry specific applications.

Asset tracking software 42 is provided to provide a number of assettracking functions. For instance, asset tracking software 42 receivesand updates asset data from base network 14 and/or receives an asset GPSlocation from GPS 16. For purposes of this disclosure the term “assetdata” will be used to refer to any information about an asset 12. Forinstance, asset data may include: asset type (e.g., printer, computer,automobile accident, telecom switch, etc.); asset model; assetgeographic location; asset condition; etc. Asset data is communicatedbetween tool 10 and base network 14 or GPS 16 via wireless interface 30.Asset data is used to locate an asset 12 in the field. In oneembodiment, asset tracking software merely provides the asset GPSlocation and the user determines how best to move to the asset location.In another embodiment, asset tracking software 42 may include a mappingmodule 46 for providing directions to an asset and/or providing areal-time map. Asset tracking software 42 may also include a travel timecalculating module 47 capable of calculating a travel time from a firstlocation, e.g., a user's current location or an asset location, to asecond location, e.g., another asset. Using time travel calculatingmodule 47, a user can better schedule his/her workload. In addition,asset tracking software 42 includes an asset data correction module 48for correcting asset data, as will be described below.

III. Base Network

Base network 14, as recognized in the field, may include one or morenetworked computers, i.e., servers. In this setting, distributed serversmay each contain only one system/module with the remainder of thesystems/modules resident on a centrally located server. A servercomputer typically comprises an advanced mid-range multiprocessor-basedserver, such as the RS6000 from IBM, utilizing standard operating systemsoftware, which is designed to drive the operation of the particularhardware and which is compatible with other system components and I/Ocontrollers. Alternatively, base network 14 may be implemented as partof a workstation such as a personal computer. A workstation of this formmay comprise, for example, an INTEL PENTIUM III® microprocessor, or likeprocessor, such as found in an IBM Aptiva® computer.

As shown in FIG. 1, base network 14 includes a communication system 138compatible with tool 10 communication software 38. Communication system138 of base network 14 uses, for example, a Netfinity server running IBMMobile Connect® software which controls data flow to and from thedatabase(s) 126. Base network 14 also includes inputs/outputs (I/O) 124including, inter alia, wireless interface 130 compatible with that oftool 10. Complementary knowledge based software 140 and complementaryasset tracking software 142 to that of tool 10 are provided on basenetwork 14, as necessary. As shown in FIG. 2B, each part of knowledgebased software 40 of tool 10 may have a complementary component on basenetwork 14 to record data collected or corrected by tool 10, forretrieving recorded data from database(s) 126 of base network 14, and/orrevision of data by a system administrator. Similarly, complementaryasset tracking software 142 may retrieve and record asset data ormapping data for asset tracking software 42 of tool 10, as necessary.

IV. Operation

In operation, a user uses tool 10 to service an asset 12 using knowledgebased software 40. A user's movement can be tracked by base network 14based on the tool's GPS transceiver 34 communicating with GPS 16 and/orbase network 14. A variety of graphical user interfaces (GUI) can bepresented to a user on the display of tool 10. The following discussionwill illustrate exemplary GUIs. It should be recognized, however, thatthe particular GUIs may vary and that other displays, sub-displays, dataentry windows, etc., not shown may be implemented as needed to fulfillthe operation of tool 10 as described.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary main menu GUI for tool 10 includingknowledge based software 40 and asset tracking software 42 selections.From the main menu, a user may, for example, choose to Check for NewWork Orders; Work/Update Work Orders; Check/Update Time/Billing; LookupLocations; Lookup Products; etc. Selection of Check for New Work Orderswould prompt WOM module 54 to acquire new assignments from base network14. Selection of Lookup Products would lead to a list (not shown) ofproducts and information about the products such as a diagnostic test,as discussed above relative to knowledge based software 40.

Selection of Check/Update Time/Billing would prompt time tracking module56 and/or billing module 58 to display one or more a time/billingmenu(s) such as shown in FIG. 4. From this menu, a user may, forexample, View Billing Information; Enter Additional Time (if not trackedautomatically); Modify Billing Codes; etc. Selection of any of thesechoices will lead a user to additional menus and/or input windows fortime and billing information as known to those with skill in the art.

Selection of Work/Update Work Orders would prompt WOM module 54 todisplay work orders, as shown in the GUI of FIG. 5, and allow readingand updating of current work orders, and review of past workorders/actions. For instance, a user may be able to select a work orderand then Add a Note to a work order, Reassign a work order, Resolve awork order, Change Status of a work order, or Review an old work order.Furthermore, a user may be able to select Asset Data/Location for a workorder to receive asset data and directions.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary asset data GUI that would be provided byasset tracking software 42 upon selection of Asset Data/Location. Inorder to locate an asset 12, in one embodiment, asset tracking software42 receives asset data including at least an asset GPS location frombase network 14, e.g., via complementary asset tracking software 142accessing database(s) 126. In this case, the asset GPS location may beaccessed from GPS 16 on a real-time basis or may be accessed fromdatabase(s) 126 in a recorded basis. In another embodiment, assettracking software 42 receives asset data in the form of an asset GPSlocation from GPS 16 directly on a real-time basis. Knowing the assetGPS location, a user can determine and travel the most expeditious routeto the asset. In addition, if tool 10 is equipped with mapping module46, the user can be directed to the location of asset 12 on a real-timebasis based on his/her position as known from GPS transceiver 34 and theasset GPS location. For example, tool 10 may display a real-time map andprovide real-time directions to asset 12 by selection of Map in displayof FIG. 6. Systems for implementing such maps and directions are knownin the art and will not be discussed here in depth. As also shown inFIG. 6, if asset data is received from base network 14, it may alsoinclude information such as asset type, model, and/or condition, whichmay expedite finding the asset. For instance, in the networkingindustry, an asset may be a personal computer unit and the condition maybe, for example, the color of the unit or its proximity to other notableobjects.

As described above, the increased productivity that tool 10 normallyprovides a user can be damaged when a GPS locator 13 is removed, brokenor otherwise inoperable. Another issue is mis-assignment of a GPSlocator 13 with an assigned asset, which possibly occurs because of aswitching of a GPS locator 13 from one asset to another. This latterissue is magnified when the two assets are not of the same type and auser attempts to visually identify the asset, e.g., when the asset issupposed to be a printer and the GPS locator assigned to the printer isattached to a display screen. In either scenario, a user sent to servicean asset wastes valuable time and resources traveling to the wronglocation or looking for the wrong asset. During a user's workday,however, he/she is in the best position to correct the above problems,i.e., when he/she comes upon assets that are of an unexpected type orhave a changed condition, wrong model or wrong location. In theseinstances, correction module 48 of asset tracking software 42 may beimplemented to update asset data at base network 14. For example, assettracking software 42 may provide a GUI capable of changing an asset 12and GPS locator 13 assignment, change an asset's type, model orcondition, etc. Asset tracking software 42 may be implemented to correctasset data, for example, by making a Correct Data selection from theasset data GUI of FIG. 6. As user may then, either by entering data onthe display of FIG. 6 or using further displays and/or input screens,change the asset data. Once completed, asset tracking software 42 maypermanently change asset data as stored on tool 10 and at base network14. Hence, using asset tracking software 42, a user no longer is forcedto make a note of the misidentified asset and later correct the assetdata.

Based on the above operation, in one embodiment, the invention includesa method of utilizing a tool for use with an asset 12. The methodcomprises: receiving a work order for the asset 12; receiving asset datafor asset 12 at tool 10 including, inter alia, an asset GPS location,which may be received from one of a GPS and a base network thatcommunicates with the GPS; proceeding to asset 12 based on the asset GPSlocation; determining whether the asset data is correct; and correctingthe asset data where the asset data is incorrect. The step of proceedingto the asset may include following a real-time map provided on the tooland/or determining a travel time to the asset. The steps of receivingmay be conducted electronically between tool 10 and base network 14. Theasset data may further include at least one of an asset type, an assetmodel and an asset condition. The step of correcting may includetransmitting corrected asset data to base network 14.

As noted above, other GUIs may be provided and the particular GUIs shownmay be modified to accommodate other potential knowledge based or assettracking software functions discussed herein. For instance, GUIs can beprovided for diagnostic module 50, data entry module 52, electronicsignature module 60, barcode scanning module 62 andmessaging/paging/voicemail module 64.

Tool 10 including the above-described knowledge based software and assettracking software provides a device capable of greatly increasing auser's productivity and efficiency. In the above discussion, it will beunderstood that the method steps discussed preferably are performed by aprocessor, such as CPU 22 of tool 10 or a server of base network 14,executing instructions of program product(s) stored in memory. It isunderstood that the various devices, modules, mechanisms and systemsdescribed herein may be realized in hardware, software, or a combinationof hardware and software, and may be compartmentalized other than asshown. They may be implemented by any type of computer system or otherapparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein. Atypical combination of hardware and software could be a general-purposecomputer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed,controls the computer system such that it carries out the methodsdescribed herein. Alternatively, a specific use computer, containingspecialized hardware for carrying out one or more of the functionaltasks of the invention could be utilized. The present invention can alsobe embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all thefeatures enabling the implementation of the methods and functionsdescribed herein, and which—when loaded in a computer system—is able tocarry out these methods and functions. Computer program, softwareprogram, program, program product, or software, in the present contextmean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set ofinstructions intended to cause a system having an information processingcapability to perform a particular function either directly or after thefollowing: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; and/or(b) reproduction in a different material form.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as setforth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims.

1. A tool for use by a service technician to find and service an assetthat is geographically dispersed from other assets, the tool comprising:a single hand-held portable computing device; a database located on theportable computing device; a wireless interface for connecting theportable computing device to a network via a wireless access protocol;software installed on the portable computing device for servicing theasset; a global positioning system (GPS) device attached to the portablecomputing device; and asset tracking software, installed on the portablecomputing device, for receiving an asset GPS location from the asset viathe wireless interface, for directing the service technician to theasset, and for updating asset data, including the asset GPS location,via the wireless interface, wherein the asset tracking software includesat least one of a module for calculating travel time from a firstlocation to a second location and a module for providing a real-time mapbased on a GPS location of the tool.
 2. The tool of claim 1: wherein thesoftware installed on the portable computing device for servicing theasset includes a module for conducting diagnostic tests on the asset. 3.The tool of claim 1: wherein the software installed on the portablecomputing device for servicing the asset includes a module for trackinguser time.
 4. The tool of claim 1: wherein the software installed on theportable computing device for servicing the asset includes a module forreceiving electronic signatures on the portable computing device.
 5. Thetool of claim 1: wherein the software installed on the portablecomputing device for servicing the asset includes a module formessaging.
 6. The tool of claim 1: wherein the software installed on theportable computing device for servicing the asset includes a module forscanning a barcode on the asset.
 7. The tool of claim 1: wherein thesoftware installed on the portable computing device for servicing theasset includes a module for managing work orders.
 8. The tool of claim1: wherein the software installed on the portable computing device forservicing the asset includes a module for generating billinginformation.
 9. A network for managing a single hand-held portablecomputing device used by a user locating and servicing an asset that isgeographically dispersed from other assets, the network comprising: awireless interface for communicating with the portable computing devicevia a wireless access protocol; first software for servicing the asset;second software for providing asset data including an asset GPS locationfrom the asset via the wireless interface to the portable computingdevice, for directing the user to the asset, and for receiving an updateof asset data, including the asset GPS location, from the portablecomputing device via the wireless interface, wherein the second softwareincludes at least one of a module for calculating travel time from afirst location to a second location and a module for providing areal-time map based on a GPS location of the tool; and at least onedatabase.
 10. The network of claim 9: wherein the first software forservicing the asset includes a module for conducting diagnostic tests onthe asset.
 11. The network of claim 9: wherein the first software forservicing the asset includes a module for tracking user time.
 12. Thenetwork of claim 9: wherein the first software for servicing the assetincludes a module for receiving electronic signatures on the portablecomputing device.
 13. The network of claim 9: wherein the first softwarefor servicing the asset includes a module for messaging.
 14. The networkof claim 9: wherein the first software for servicing the asset includesa module for scanning a barcode on the asset.
 15. The network of claim9: wherein the first software for servicing the asset includes a modulefor managing work orders.
 16. The network of claim 9: wherein the firstsoftware for servicing the asset includes a module for generatingbilling information.
 17. A tool for use by a service technician to findand service an asset that is geographically dispersed from other assets,the tool comprising: a single hand-held portable computing device; adatabase located on the portable computing device; means for connectingthe portable computing device to a network; means for accessing thedatabase; means, attached to the portable computing device, fordetermining a global position of the portable computing device; andmeans for providing an asset GPS location from the asset that isreceived via the means for connecting, for directing the servicetechnician to the asset, and for updating asset data, including theasset GPS location, via the means for connecting means for servicing theasset.
 18. A tool for use by a service technician to find and service anasset that is geographically dispersed from other assets, the toolcomprising: a single hand-held portable computing device; a databaselocated on the portable computing device; a wireless interface adaptedfor connecting the portable computing device to a network via a wirelessaccess protocol; first software installed on the portable computingdevice for accessing the database; a global positioning system (GPS)device attached to the portable computing device; second software,installed on the portable computing device, for receiving an asset GPSlocation from the asset via the wireless interface, for directing theservice technician to the asset, and for updating asset data, includingthe GPS location, via the wireless interface, wherein the secondsoftware includes at least one of a module for calculating travel timefrom a first location to a second location and a module for providing areal-time map based on a GPS location of the tool; and third software,installed on the portable computing device, for servicing the asset. 19.A tool for use by a service technician to find and service an asset thatis geographically dispersed from other assets, the tool comprising: asingle hand-held portable computing device; a database located on theportable computing device; means for connecting the portable computingdevice to a network; first software providing means for servicing theasset; means, attached to the portable computing device, for determininga global position of the portable computing device; means for providingan asset GPS location that is received from the asset via the means forconnecting, for directing the service technician to the asset, and forupdating asset data, including the asset GPS location, via the means forconnecting; and second software including at least one of: means forcalculating travel time from a first location to a second location; andmeans for providing a real-time map based on a GPS location of the tool.20. The tool of claim 19, wherein the first software means for servicingan asset includes means for conducting diagnostic tests on the asset.21. The tool of claim 19, wherein the first software means for servicingan asset includes means for tracking user time.
 22. The tool of claim19, wherein the first software means for servicing an asset includesmeans for receiving electronic signatures on the portable computingdevice.
 23. The tool of claim 19, wherein the first software means forservicing an asset includes means for messaging.
 24. The tool of claim19, wherein the first software means for servicing an asset includesmeans for scanning a bar code on the asset.
 25. The tool of claim 19,wherein the first software means for servicing an asset includes meansfor managing work orders.
 26. The tool of claim 19, wherein the firstsoftware means for servicing an asset includes means for generatingbilling information.